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Floodplain

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Public Information Sheet revised November 2023

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 FEMA Flood Maps Online

Updated Fees- Flooding
 
General Information
From time to time there are new pieces of information about Floodplain Management that are beneficial points of interest for Crawford County Residents. By now a number of you have probably heard about Crawford Counties NEW Floodplain Maps. Some people have asked if we are going to get new maps. New maps will create an double edged sword situation. They will be more specific for some but could also put others that are not currently in the program in the designated floodplain. Please remember just because you are not required to purchase flood insurance does not mean you can't get it. If you feel it would be beneficial, please contact your insurance provider and you will be able to buy it at a really reduced rate.

Letter of Map Change
Often know as LOMA's. If you believe that your property has been put in the floodplain on the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Rate Maps) in error, you have the right to apply for a LOMA. If granted the can either take your structure or your property out. It is up to you to pay the fees for all that is involved with the LOMC applications. There are many properties that have already gone through that process and the Division of Water Resources has compiled a map to look and see if there has been a LOMC filed for your property.
http://gis.kda.ks.gov/kslomc

If you have any questions about floodplain issues please feel free to call the Floodplain and Zoning office for assistance with your questions.

Flood Safety Tips

1. Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water is enough to knock you off your feet.
2. Do not drive through a flooded area. Two feet of water will carry away most cars. One foot of water can displace 1,500 pounds of weight. If a car weighs less than 1,500 pounds it could be floated by a foot of water.
3. Stay away from downed power lines and also electrical lines in your own home. Electrical current can travel through water.
4. Watch for animals and snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in your home.
5. Watch your step. After a flood the ground is covered with debris including broken glass and sharp objects just below the mud. Wet or muddy steps can be slippery.
6. Use a flashlight to check for gas leaks. Soapy water on gas lines will reveal leaks as soap bubbles form. Don’t use candles or smoke until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
7. Have an evacuation plan for yourself and family members. Choose a route and a meeting place.
8. Prepare an emergency kit in a portable container. Make it small enough to grab quickly and go. Suggested items for such a kit include portable radio, flashlight, spare batteries, spare car keys, spare pair of glasses, prescription medication, nonperishable food items, bottled water, first aid kit, blanket, list of important numbers, and copies of important papers.
9. Shut off utilities before hand. Make sure family members know how to shut off gas at the meter and power at the breaker box.
10. Consider buying flood insurance. Normally there is a 30-day waiting period before policies go into effect.

Why Buy Flood Insurance?
Spring rains are upon us, and it is time to consider purchasing flood insurance. Regular business or homeowner’s insurance doe not cover flood damage. A source of flood insurance is through the federally funded National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). People can actually buy flood insurance through private companies. If your community participates in the program, you are eligible, whether or not you live in a high risk flood zone.

Communities that participate in the NFIP have agreed to follow certain flood plain management regulations. By doing so, the residents of participating communities can qualify for flood insurance that compensates owners and renters for all covered flood-related losses to a home or business providing the deductible has been met.
 
The top ten reasons to buy flood insurance are:

1. Spring floods are upon us, and there is a thirty (30) day waiting period before coverage begins. Technically the thirty (30) day waiting period is waived if the insurance is required to secure a loan.
2. Coverage is relatively inexpensive.
3. If your community participates in the NFIP, you are eligible to get flood insurance even if you are located outside the 1% flood plain.
4. You can receive payments for flood-related losses, even though a disaster has not been declared.
5. You can depend on being reimbursed for flood damage because NFIP flood insurance is backed by the federal government.
6. You do not have to repay flood insurance benefits (as you do with disaster-related assistance loans).
7. Renters can purchase flood insurance contents coverage for personal belongings or business inventory.
8. Basement coverage includes cleanup expense and repair or replacement of items such as a furnace, water heater, washers, dryer, air conditioner, freezer, utility connections and pumps.
9. You can request a partial payment immediately after the flood.
10. Buying flood insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your home, business, and your family’s financial security.

 
Crawford County has obtained new flood maps and in some areas the flood zone is changing. Banks are now requiring flood insurance on some mortgages. If you purchase flood insurance before the new map change becomes effective, which is April 16, 2009, you may be able to obtain the insurance at a lower rate. And you can keep the zone (X –vs- A) or elevation locked in as long as the policy is paid. The rate won’t be locked in but the zone for a lower rate will be. If you have questions whether or not your property is affected by the flood maps please contact your Floodplain Manager, Ron Albertini at 620-235-0857 or your Floodplain Administrator, Judith Freeman at 620-724-6168 for rural areas or your local city office.

Resources

FEMA Resolution
Elevation Certificate
No Rise Certificate
Development Permit
Fill/Levee Application
Grandfather Rules
Reimbursement of Premiums
MT1 Complete Application
MT1 Form Instructions
MT1 Forms
MT-EZ Form